First picture in fresh appeal over Smethwick hit and run

Police will be carrying out inquiries at the scene at the exact time of the accident tonight in the search for clues to the identity of the driver and vehicle involved.

Mr Fenton, who lived in nearby Astbury Avenue, was found in Beakes Road, Smethwick, last Saturday at around 9.30pm. He had suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital where he later died.

Police believe he has been struck by a large vehicle and whoever was driving must have known they had hit a person but left him in the road to die.

Sgt Paul Hughes from the Regional Collision Investigation Unit, who is in charge of tonight’s operation, said: “We need to trace this vehicle and driver. We urge people to take a moment and think carefully if they heard or saw anything suspicious.”

Friends have described Mr Fenton as a ‘very happy man, who was always laughing and having a joke’.

His close pal and neighbour Dave Ingram, aged 80, said: “The whole thing has left me and the community in shock. We will all miss him.”

Next door neighbour Geoffrey Benbow added: “He was a very happy man and was always laughing and having a joke. I spoke to him at least once a day.”